Oranges are citrus fruits with some popular types being the Valencia, mandarin, navel, blood, satsuma, Seville, Hamlin, clementine, pineapple and Jaffa oranges.
They loaded with carbs, dietary fiber, potassium, calcium, manganese, selenium, phosphorus, choline, copper as well as vitamin C, A, thiamin, niacin, riboflavin, folate, pantothenic acid, vitamin B6, antioxidants zeaxanthin, and carotenoid among other nutrients.
From their nutritional profile, they have nutrients that your fluffy friend needs and owing to the many benefits they have to humans; you may be considering giving them to these pets. However, the question is, do cats love oranges or juice?
Can cats have oranges and their juice?
No. Cats cannot eat oranges including the mandarin, orange juice or any other citrus fruit including lemon, limes, grapefruits, citron, tangerine, pomelo, tangelo, and so on.
Furthermore, these pets will not even love them when offered because they have a strong scent which seems not to go down well with them.
The main issues with the various citrus fruits are essential oil, psoralens, and citric acid. For instance, citric acid may result in stomach irritation or upsets.
On the other hand, the essential oils and psoralens they contain are toxic to felines, dogs, and horses. These essential oils require glucuronyl transferase in their metabolism, something that cats do not have, and this can lead to a buildup to toxic levels.
Some of the symptoms of toxicity of these two substances include “vomiting, diarrhea, depression and potential dermatitis” notes the ASPCA.
Therefore, do not give them even a little bit even if it seems to like them. Although the fruit has little of these two potentially toxic compounds when compared to their plant and peeling and a small amount might not be harmful, they are just unnecessary.
If you are looking for fruits to give your cats as an occasional treat, go for apples, blueberries, strawberries, pineapples, watermelons (without seeds), stone fruits (without seeds), and cantaloupes. They are a better choice.
Finally, if your cat ate an orange, you do not need to be worried if the amount was small. Check for any of the symptoms we have noted before you talk to your vet.
Orange peel and oil cats cat repellant?
Stray cats roaming around your garden or home may be a nuisance or a risk especially if you have pets they may prey on.
Fortunately, it is easy to keep them away. These pets do not love the citrus scents that orange oil is gotten from the rind of this fruit. Therefore, it can be used to deter them from areas you do not want them to go to.
Consider mixing a small amount with water and spraying it on your garden, patio, or dabbing it on your patio furniture fabric among other items.
Similarly, SFGate recommends the use of the peels rind, i.e., the “scent of citrus oils, found in the peels of oranges and other citrus fruit, maybe enough to keep cats out of your garden.”